Annual 'Battle in the 'Burg' draws workout warriors to Harrisburg

HARRISBURG - The Saline County Fairgrounds were packed with the sights and sounds of the third annual Battle in the 'Burg this past weekend. The undeniably hot weather didn't deter more than 200 regional athletes from participating in the two-day CrossFit event.

Although the colorful spectacle could be intimidating to those unfamiliar with the CrossFit program, spectators and athletes alike cheered, applauded, high-fived and encouraged each other nearly constantly, which helped cover the grunts of the sweat-drenched, laboring participants.

Outside, teams eagerly signed up to compete in floating WODs (workout of the day). Saturday's WOD was a team relay involving tire flips, dumbbell snatches and dumbbell lunges.

The Iron Maidens, a mixed team of friends representing CrossFit groups from Lawrenceville and Evansville. waited to compete.

"It's just a really great way to make exercising fun and compete with your friends," said Kyle Reed from Evansville.

Kristin King, owner and trainer of CrossFit Little Egypt in Harrisburg, organized the event. She has been an active CrossFit competitor for eight years.

"CrossFit workouts don't have to be intimidating," she said. "The great thing about an event like this is that you can feel that people want to be here. There's a real sense of community.

"Every time you hear people beating their personal records, there are people cheering them on, and then turning around and cheering on other teams," King said.

CrossFit, she said, is about health and fitness, collaboration and working together.

Phillip Powell, representing J5 CrossFit, came from Collinsville to participate in the Battle in the 'Burg.

He cheered his young son, Paxton, on as he attempted to do some minor weightlifting.

"There are so many people here for the same reason, and that reason is community. It's a great thing to see," Powell said.